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Tag Archives: Writers Resources

Books on Writing: My Favorites

22 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by in Book Review, Creative Writing, Writing

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Sometimes when I get writer’s block, I don’t do what I know would be most helpful: Just.Keep.Writing. Instead, I decide I need to read another book on writing, because that will surely help. Let’s be honest: no amount of reading is going to help when what you really need is to get your ass in front of the computer and just write.

BUT, books on writing are invaluable in the grand scheme of things. So as long as you’re reading them to improve your craft instead of to avoid your craft, then have at it. These are the best books on writing I’ve read so far. Continue reading »

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Revision: One torture Dante forgot

04 Tuesday Dec 2012

Posted by in Art, Creative Writing, Writing

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Writing the first draft of my novel was one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done. Pure adrenaline. Living in a fantasy-land of my own making. Turning off (almost) my inner editor and just letting the writing flow. It was fantastic.

But revision. Revision belongs as a punishment in one of the nine circles of hell. I’m sure Dante just forgot to mention it; somewhere between flames burning the feet, being stuck forever in a block of ice, being torn apart by demons, and being eaten by Satan, he meant to include a part where an author was forced to revise a piece, over and over, for eternity. Continue reading »

In which the story is revealed

07 Wednesday Nov 2012

Posted by in Art, Creative Writing, Gratitude, NaNoWriMo, Writing

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As a fiction writer you can be, apparently, a plotter or a pantser. Or maybe a little bit of both. That last category is where I seem to fall, but with an emphasis on the pantser.

I have been saying that, when I had the inspiration for this novel, the entire plot came to me. By which I mean, the entire arc of the story and five or so key plot points that would get me from beginning to middle to end. And, perhaps even more importantly, an understanding of all of the important and relevant qualities of the civilization and world in which the story would take place. Since that day, not quite four weeks ago, I’ve been writing and writing and writing (35,000 words and counting!). And in that time, the actual story – the characters, the details, the driving actions and motivations – have been revealed to me, piece by piece, scene by scene.

There’s really no other good way to explain it. Continue reading »

NaNoWriMo – Getting good vibes and inspiration

01 Thursday Nov 2012

Posted by in Creative Writing, NaNoWriMo, Writing

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Well folks, it’s November and you know what that means: NaNoWriMo is upon us! Who’s doing it this year? Who’s done it in the past?

I’ve never done it and I actually can’t do it this year. In order to officially participate, you cannot start writing until November 1st. Since I have 21,000 words already, that’s not going to work. I am, however, going to harness all the energy and excitement going around and use it to my own advantage.

god that feels good. really, really good.

I’m going to unofficially join in and write 50,000 words this month. Woohoo! Actually, my goal is 60,000 words. Apparently an average length for a first-time novel in my genre is about 80,000 words. So if I can get 60,000 done this month in addition to the 21,000 I already have, I should be pretty close to a first draft. Which. Is. Awesome!

I’ve always thought of myself as the kind of writer who would write a lot and then edit out a lot. But it turns out, that might not be true. The plot of this book is so persistent that I feel the need to just get it down on paper as quickly as I can. I’m writing very leanly right now, and I plan to go back and fill in where the story needs it later. I think the whole vibe of NaNoWriMo fits pretty well with that approach. Just write, write, write and later you can edit, edit, edit.

So I’m jumping in. I love this feeling and I’m super excited about the next 30 days. Who’s with me??

Artist’s Statement

27 Thursday Sep 2012

Posted by in Art, Blogging, Creative Writing, Work, Writing

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I’m going to start applying for writing grants and artists’ colonies and all that fun stuff. Mama needs to make some money, you know? So this is the current draft of my artist statement for the first one I’m applying for. I kind of like it. What say you?  (Anyone been to one of these? Applied for grants? Advice? Please??)

(P.S. I’m still in the throes of self-doubt, but it’s not quite so crippling now that I’ve read all of your amazing comments. You people rock. I mean, seriously, you’re the best.)

I write to tell the truth: to discover what I believe and to share that truth with the world. My writing has spanned many disciplines, from blogging to personal essays, book reviews, poems, and creative nonfiction. I’m currently in the process of writing a novel, something that has taken over most of my life, to the exclusion of all my other writing. (Also, somewhat, to the exclusion of playing with my daughter or paying attention to my husband or caring for our two annoying dogs, but I try to ignore that.)

I’ve watched as the characters in this novel have taken shape in the dark corners of my mind, when I thought I was thinking of something else. I’ve listened to their worries and hopes, and realized what their downfall may be. This novel has been percolating for years and for the last year, in particular, it’s been worn smooth as it tumbled through the inner workings of my soul. It’s ready to be written. Continue reading »